Should Junior Golfers Get Custom Clubs? Readiness, Speed & Safe Fitting

Key Points

• Watch and Listen to the Junior: Readiness isn’t just age—it’s about physical maturity, coordination, and how well they control the club.

   

• Stick With Junior Clubs Longer:

  • Juniors grow rapidly through puberty; equipment needs to match their height and strength, not their impatience.

  • Rushing into adult clubs can negatively affect swing mechanics and cause long-term issues (e.g., duck hooks, swing flaws, bad contact).

   

• Parental Role Is Crucial:

  • Parents must stay firm, even if the child pushes for adult clubs too early.

  • Decision should be based on physical readiness, not emotion or ego.

   

• Dangers of Wrong Fitting:

  • Heavy clubs can lead to poor technique and increased injury risk.

  • Seek out a PGA professional who prioritizes development over profit.

   

• Use Properly Sized, Lightweight Junior Clubs:

  • These support natural swing growth, increase enjoyment, and prevent technical issues.

  • Kids will appreciate it once they see better performance and more fun on course.

   

• Club Head Speed as a Benchmark:

  • A baseline of 70 mph is a solid indicator that a junior is physically ready for regular, stiff, or extra stiff shafts.

  • That typically means they’ve developed strength and entered adolescence.

   

• Final Advice:

  • Be patient.

  • Prioritize development and fun over fast-tracking gear upgrades.

  • Let performance and physical signs—not emotion—drive the decision to fit adult clubs.